50 escapes jail

50 Cent has escaped jail after pleading no contest to assault charges relating to a concert brawl last year.

The US rapper entered the plea to prosecutors at a court in Springfield, Massachusetts, to three charges, including trampling two women and punching a third at the Spring Jam event at the Hippodrome club in Springfield.

The hip-hop star had been performing at the event when he was struck on the head with a water bottle prompting him, and members of his group G-Unit, to dive into the audience looking for the thrower.

It was during the resulting fracas the three women claimed they were injured by the 29-year-old rapper, real name Curtis Jackson.

After his defence team entered the plea, 50 - who was present for the proceedings on Friday (16.05.05) - was told by the judge he could go free on the condition he remains drug-free and avoids any further crime for the next two years.

In addition, the 'In Da Club' singer must also attend anger management classes, has been banned from carrying a gun for the next 24 months, in the state of Massachusetts, and must undergo random drug testing during the same period

Judge Kumor, who acknowledged there was enough evidence to convict 50 - real name Curtis Jackson, lambasted the rapper as he delivered his verdict, saying: "You're a cross-cultural entertainer. You have an obligation to people in society."